H.H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the Honorary President of the Arab Theater Institute (ATI), has officially inaugurated the institute’s main office situated in Al Hira.
Upon arrival, the Sharjah Ruler unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the opening of the headquarters. He warmly welcomed the numerous theatre artists from various Arab countries, expressing his delight at their presence in Sharjah and congratulating them on the inauguration of the institute’s headquarters.
The Ruler of Sharjah delivered a speech at the event, expressing his appreciation for the theatre and its community. He announced a financial contribution to support the institute’s activities and highlighted the importance of theatre as a key cultural element in advancing and enriching society.
He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing support for theatre and its community across all Arab nations until theatre is restored to its former glory.
The Sharjah Ruler toured the Institute’s main offices, which consist of two adjacent buildings. These buildings are traditional heritage houses that have been reconstructed as part of the restoration of the old town of Al Hira.
During the tour, he received an overview of the institute’s various facilities, including administrative and specialised technical departments, the library, publishing, training and qualification departments, the school theatre, the digital library, and the Arab Center for Documentation and Theater Studies.
The headquarters was built in the traditional Emirati architectural style, incorporating all modern amenities and facilities. The design features intricate wood carvings and plaster decorations typical of the region’s traditional architecture. The building and its surroundings have also been equipped with various services and infrastructure to facilitate visitors’ movement to the institute.
Ismail Abdullah, Secretary-General of the Arab Theater Institute, delivered a speech
He delivered a speech expressing the theatre community’s joy at the opening of the institute’s headquarters. He thanked the Ruler of Sharjah for his continuous support and efforts in nurturing and advancing theatre and its practitioners.
Abdullah emphasised that the new headquarters would serve as a source of inspiration for all Arab theatre artists, motivating them to progress further.
The Secretary-General stressed that supporting Arab theatre entails greater responsibility for the theatre’s purpose and the efforts of playwrights. This is as the ATI aims to enhance theatre in all Arab cities and raise the standard of every Arab theatre.
Arab artists from various countries expressed their gratitude and pride in the Ruler of Sharjah’s unwavering support and the opening of the institute’s headquarters as a welcoming space for Arab playwrights.
The opening ceremony of the headquarters was attended by Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Head of the Department of Culture; Dr Salah Butti Al Muhairi, Head of the Initiatives Implementation Authority “Mubadara”; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Ceremonies and Hospitality Department; and numerous theatre practitioners from various Arab countries.
